Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Eastern Spadefoot Toad, Scaphiopus holbrooki
Eastern spadefoot toads are the most abundant amphibian in Fort Matanzas National Monument. The horny black 'spade' on the hindfoot enables the spadefoot to burrow rapidly into the soil. During the day they remain out of sight and secure in their burrows, but on nights following a summer rain, the ground under the live oaks and bay trees in the live oak hammock is covered with spadefoot toads as they come out to search for insects and other invertebrate prey. They breed in almost any temporary or permanent pond following torrential downpours. Their eggs hatch and in a few weeks or even days the tadpoles metamorphose into tiny toads that swarm through the forest. The vertical pupils and brass-colored irises give spadefoots the most beautiful eyes of any Florida frog or toad.
